26TH ANNIVERSARY OF SELF-EMPLOYED COVERAGE
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, 1st July 2022 — July 1st 2022, marks the 26th year since the introduction of Self-employed coverage.
Before 1996, Self-employed Persons were unable to access the range of benefits offered by Social Security and thus were denied the opportunity to register, contribute and benefit. To address this, the Social Security Act, No. 13 of 1977 was amended with Self-employed Regulations thereby providing the legal framework by which Self-employed persons derived their rights and responsibilities.
The late Walter Simmonds was the first self-employed person to register. Since then, over 6000 self-employed persons have registered and have contributed from July 1996 to present.
The Self-employed Sector continues to be one of the fastest growing economic drivers despite the global challenges and the self-employed continue to provide employment for themselves and others. The top 5 sectors according to registration statistics include:
Wholesale & Retail Trade
Construction
Transport, Storage & Communications
Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities
Other Community, Social & Personal Activities
Throughout the month of observance, both the Compliance and Public Relations Departments will engage the self-employed and related associations to strengthen ties and provide further opportunities for broadening coverage through meetings, social media engagement and technical support.
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The Social Security Board takes this time to commend the self-employed who have stayed the course, registered, contributed and is now benefitting. The Board also appeals to those who have fallen behind on contributions to visit the offices on both St Kitts and Nevis to determine the best way to bring their records up to date.
Cheers to 26 more years of formidable strength and growth of the self-employed sector and Social Security’s Self Employed Coverage
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For more information, please contact:
Ms. Kamilah Lawrence, Public Relations Manager
St. Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board
Phone: 869 465 2535 ext 2604
Email: klawrence@socialsecurity.kn